Ultrasound-guided placement of central venous port systems via the right internal jugular vein. Are chest x-ray and/or fluoroscopy needed to confirm the correct placement of the device?

Background Percutaneous central venous port (CVP) placement using ultrasound-guidance (USG) via right internal jugular vein is described as a safe and effective procedure. The aim of this study is to determine whether intraoperative fluoroscopy (IF) and/or postoperative chest X-ray (CXR) are required to confirm the correct position of the catheter. Methods Between January 2012 and December 2014, 302 adult patients underwent elective CVP system placement under USG. The standard venous access site was the right internal jugular vein. The length of catheter was calculated based on the height of the patient. IF was always performed to confirm US findings. Results 176 patients were men and 126 were women and average height was 176.2 cm (range 154–193 cm). The average length of the catheter was 16.4 cm (range 14–18). Catheter malposition and pneumothorax were observed in 4 (1.3 %) and 3 (1 %) patients, respectively. IF confirmed the correct position of the catheter in all cases. Catheter misplacement (4 cases) was previously identified and corrected on USG. Our rates of pneumothorax are in accordance with those of the literature (0.5–3 %). Conclusion Ultrasonography has resulted in improved safety and effectiveness of port system implantation. The routine use of CXR and IF should be considered unnecessary.